Battlefield Heroes Quietly Launches

DICE's free-to-play web-based multiplayer shooter Battlefield Heroes, originally expected to launch last summer, is now available for all to play via BattlefieldHeroes.com.

The launch comes as a moderate surprise, with no formal announcement whatsoever. The oft-delayed game had been running in closed beta for some time.

Though free-to-play, real-world currency can be used to purchase a variety of in-game items and bonuses, including the ability to "level up faster [and] get Valor Points (VP) faster," new clothes, "ultra exclusive limited-edition items," and special emotes. However,, you must first purchase the virtual "Battlefunds" currency available in $5 (700 Battlefunds), $10 (1400 Battlefunds), $20 (2800 Battlefunds) and $50 (7000 Battlefunds) bundles.